Spartan Series Returns to Burnet on May 18-20

Are you feeling like a Spartan? If so, the Spartan race series returns to Reveille Peak Ranch on Friday-Sunday, May 18-20. The event features courses of 3-5 miles with 20-23 obstacles and 8-10 miles with 24-29 obstacles designed to test you physically and mentally. Go to spartan.com for more information or to register. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton

Spartan Series Returns to Burnet on May 18-20

BURNET — With obstacles such as the Barbed Wire Crawl, Monkey Bars, and Fire Jump, you know you want to give the 2018 Spartan Sprint or Super — even both — a try at Reveille Peak Ranch.

The ranch, located at 105 CR 114 just west of Burnet, has served as a Spartan stop for several years and does so again Friday-Sunday, May 18-20. Thousands of people, including some folks from right here in the Highland Lakes, will attempt to conquer the 3- to 5-mile Sprint or the 8- to 10-mile Super. And a few hardy souls might attempt both, or even the grit-testing 12-Hour Hurricane Heat.

If you’re not sure what a Spartan race is, think obstacle course times 1,000. Creative minds developed some devious obstacles set out over the different courses.

The Super, which is Saturday, takes participants on an adventure through 24-29 obstacles. On the Sprint, which is Sunday, participants will tackle 20-23 obstacles.

The Sprint and the Super make up two of the three Spartan events; the Beast is the third. The Burnet event is a good opportunity for those looking to complete the Spartan Trifecta (all three races in one year) to get two under their belts.

Along with the two main races, there’s the Hurricane Heat on Friday, a 12-hour team event that, according to the Spartan website, uses “tactics similar to those of the Special Operations groups of various military branches.” It emphasizes both team building and individual experiences as team members work together to get through the challenges the Hurricane Heat throws at them.

There’s even Spartans for ages 4-13. The kids’ races are the Competitive 2 Mile (ages 10-13), 2 Mile (ages 10-13), 1 Mile (ages 7-9), and One-Half Mile (ages 4-6). These events are spread out on both Saturday and Sunday.

If you’re on the fence about participating, check out the Spartan Open House from 4-6 p.m. Friday. It’s a chance to meet Spartan-certified coaches and competitors and browse the merchandise.

Plus, anyone 14 and older can practice on the obstacles.

The open house is free to attend, but you need to register through the Spartan website at spartan.com.

As for the Spartan races, there are still slots available. The entry fee ranges from $130-$188, depending on the race — Sprint or Super — and time. Entrance fees for the kids’ races range from $25-$45.

Spectators are welcome to attend and check out the fun. There is a $20 spectator fee.

Along with race and spectator fees, there are parking fees of $10 per car, $20 per van, and $50 per bus or RV. The parking fees are cash only and paid upon entry.

Races start at 7:30 a.m. both days with waves of about 250 taking off every 15 minutes until 2:30 p.m Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.